General Discussion The Messiah and Isaiah 53

[Chavak]

In a different thread, a line of discussion started which I would like to explore in this thread.



I had mentioned that I wanted to understand regarding Jewish belief and I quoted regarding Jesus that the Old Testament had many references to the coming Messiah and the following was stated in reply:

"Isaiah 53 has nothing to do with a messiah or Jesus. If you understood the Hebrew language that would be clear."

"I repeat, there is nothing in the Hebrew bible that specifically refers to Jesus, you have been led down the wrong path as have many for thousands of years, but I understand, that's not your fault."

To be honest I don't understand that last statement. Whilst I do not know the Hebrew Bible, I am willing to learn which is why I joined this website. 

I have just searched on the web for Isaiah 53 in the Hebrew Bible and found many sites stating this is a forbidden chapter. Why would this be?

One website states the following in its introduction:

Isaiah 53 The Forbidden Chapter.

The 17th century Jewish historian, Raphael Levi, admitted that long ago the rabbis used to read Isaiah 53 in synagogues, but after the chapter caused “arguments and great confusion” the rabbis decided that the simplest thing would be to just take that prophecy out of the Haftarah readings in synagogues. That’s why today when we read Isaiah 52, we stop in the middle of the chapter and the week after we jump straight to Isaiah 54.

I don't understand so can anyone explain it to me please?

May I also ask, who are these verses talking about? Can you please tell me?

Isaiah 53
He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with [f]grief.
And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him;
He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.

4 Surely He has borne our griefs
And carried our sorrows;
Yet we esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten by God, and afflicted.
5 But He was wounded for our transgressions,
He was bruised for our iniquities;
The chastisement for our peace was upon Him,
And by His stripes we are healed.

I know many Jewish people do not believe in Jesus or that He is the Messiah, whilst Christians do. 
I'm hopeful we can discuss it a little so that I can gain an understanding. 
Just to be sure, I would like you to know that I am not trying to cause offence in case anyone should think that is the case. I respect everyone's views and it is important that you know I am asking with the uttermost respect.

Many thanks.

That is obviously from a Christian/Missionary site. I would suggest going to Jewish sites if you want to know what Jews think.